Rockets Spoil Kimble’s Clipper Home Debut

Bo Kimble had a game-high 24 points, but the Houston Rockets spoiled his Clipper home debut with a 108-88 victory Friday night before an announced crowd of 10,960 at the Sports Arena that was closer to 4,500.

The Rockets led by as many as 28 points, 65-37, with 9:09 to play in the third quarter and never by fewer than 17 in the second half.

The Clippers, who shot 23.1% in the second quarter and 33.3% in the third, didn’t score their 40th point until 8:06 remained in the third period and their 50th until 4:24 was left. They are 2-3 in the exhibition season.

Kimble had 14 points in the fourth quarter. Dave Jamerson and Adrian Caldwell scored 15 each for the Rockets, and Akeem Olajuwon added 13 points and 10 rebounds.

The Clippers’ Danny Manning saw action for the first time in the preseason after having suffered a badly sprained left ankle.

Clipper Notes

Earl Strom, who became one of the most popular figures in the league before retiring as a referee after last season, is expected to be hired as color commentator for Clipper games on Prime Ticket. John Severino, president of Prime Ticket, tried to get Pat Riley for the job, but Riley’s contract with NBC does not allow him to cover NBA games on cable--although the former Laker coach is able to do other shows for cable. Either Ralph Lawler or Tom Kelly is expected to get the play-by-play job.